Levitating Train Breaks Speed Record in Japan

This magnetic levitation bullet train is capable of speeds of 366 miles per hour—and possibly more

Turbo-swift floating trains sound like a thing of the future, but in Japan they’re already out there breaking records. On Thursday, a maglev bullet train hit 366 miles per hour—the fastest train speed ever recorded.

Company officials say the train can go even faster, and predict it could hit 372 mph during another test next week. It should eventually be used for a new line that will connect Tokyo and Nagoya, with trains routinely traveling as fast as 313 mph, cutting travel time to 40 minutes.

By comparison, the fastest currently operating train in the US is Amtrak’s Acela, which runs at 150 mph for very brief segments of track in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. However, the majority of the Northeast line runs at 110 mph or slower, and most other parts of Amtrak’s network run at decidedly lower speeds.

The Wall Street Journal reports that JR Central wants to help us slow-moving Americans along, by implenting their technology in a rail between New York and Washington. All aboard!

Like this article?SIGN UP for our newsletter

About Samantha Larson

Samantha Larson is a freelance writer who particularly likes to cover science, the environment, and adventure. For more of her work, visit SamanthaLarson.com